The Cleveland Browns’ performance has been quite unsuccessful, with just one playoff appearance in the past five years. In 2024, they finished with a season record of 3-14 but managed to secure the second overall pick, which may help them rebuild after the upcoming draft. Despite the chaos, the Browns had a few bright spots. Their defensive core, led by Myles Garrett and Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, has been formidable. However, they must address a few key issues in the upcoming draft, especially on the offensive front.
Cleveland Browns’ biggest needs in the 2025 NFL Draft
Quarterback
Signing Deshaun Watson at a whopping cost of $230 million has proven ineffective for the franchise. With off-field issues affecting his game, his time with the Browns remains doubtful. Cleveland will play Watson as a starter till his contract expires in 2026, but his fully guaranteed contract makes it harder to trade or cut him away. Their backup option Jamies Winston has been decent but is not expected to be the cornerstone of this franchise.
The Browns scored 258 points (rank 32nd), passed for 5114 yards (rank 28th), and averaged 4.6 yards (rank 31st) per play. According to NFL's official website, Watson’s form and appearances a concern and they must tackle this situation immediately.
Offensive line
According to Cleveland Browns' official website, even their offensive line claimed 'they lacked identity offensively' during the 2024 season. Offensive tackles Jack Conklin, Jedrick Wills Jr. and Dawand Jones had injury-riddled seasons. Declining performance of veteran guard Joel Bitonio and Wyatt Teller's issues with injuries and penalties have severely impacted the Cleveland's offense last season. With the signing of free agent Cornelius Lucas, the Browns look forward to add more firepower in their offensive line from this year's draft.
Defensive end
Former first overall pick, Myles Garrett remains elite, securing another All-Pro nod last season and his spot as DE1 with 14.5 sacks. However, Cleveland lacks someone on the other side to compliment him. Za'Darius Smith is aging and Ogbo Okoronkwo are not creating the impact they want and want to add another edge rusher to improve their team defensively.
Running backs
Nick Chubb’s future remains murky after his knee injury in 2023, which led him to miss the entirety of the 2024 season. Backup Jerome Ford has shown flashes of brilliance but his future potential remains doubtful.
What should the Cleveland Browns do in the 2025 NFL draft?
Cleveland remained quiet in free agency due to Watson’s contract affecting their cap space. However, they hold seven picks in the draft including the no. 2 overall pick.
Round 1- Pick 2
Cleveland has the toughest decision to make in the first-round with Cam Ward or Travis Hunter among the top draft picks. But if the Browns decide to pick a quarterback, they may draft in Shedeur Sanders or EDGE rusher Abdul Carter to compliment Myles Garrett.
Round 2- Pick 33
In case the Browns decide to stick with Watson for the long-run, they may draft Jalen Milroe of Alabama in the second-round as a backup option, according to NFL's official website.
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FAQs on Cleveland Browns Team Needs
A: Cleveland will select either edge rusher Abdul Carter or two-way player Travis Hunter with the second overall pick.
A: Browns' top three needs are: QB, WR, RB. Quarterback remains a glaring hole for the Browns with Deshaun Watson, rehabbing a torn right Achilles tendon and Kenny Pickett being the only healthy passer on the roster.
A: Browns appear locked in on Travis Hunter with No. 2 draft pick. Colorado's Travis Hunter appears to be the target of the Browns in the NFL Draft. Hunter has said he wants to continue to play on both sides of the ball in the NFL; wide receiver on offense and cornerback on defense.
